People with high cholesterol levels or those at risk need to constantly monitor their values.
It is inconvenient to go to the clinic or laboratory every time, so it is advisable to purchase a device for measuring cholesterol at home. The devices are produced by several companies, prices vary from 1 thousand to 9-10 thousand and above.
The principle of operation is the same for all, they differ in the features of use and the set of additional functions.
Who needs regular measurements and in what cases?
In addition to people who already have high cholesterol levels, regular monitoring is necessary for people at risk for several parameters:
- You are overweight.
- There are or have been people in the family with high cholesterol.
- Had a stroke or heart attack.
- There are problems in the functioning of the liver and kidneys.
- Disturbances in the synthesis of hormones.
For high (or low) total cholesterol levels, measurements are taken at least every 3 months; for people at risk - after 6 months (cholesterol norms for men and women). Other time intervals prescribed by your doctor are possible. Older people also need to measure their total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels.
It is recommended after 30 years of age to undergo preventive tests once every 5 years. At the initial stage, a person may not feel any increase in cholesterol, so only taking tests allows one to quickly identify disorders in the body and prevent the development of concomitant diseases.
Will buying a special device pay off?
The issue of payback is considered from different angles. On the one hand, the cost of the device exceeds the price for taking tests several times, especially if a one-time examination is intended. In this case, it is cheaper to go to a medical institution and determine the current values.
However, people with a reading above or below the norm need regular monitoring. Patients who are overweight, elderly or with musculoskeletal problems have difficulty getting to the clinic; their place of residence may be far from the blood donation point for tests. For such people, buying a cholesterol measuring device will save not only effort and time, but also money.
The cost of a biochemical blood test varies from 250 to 1000 rubles, depending on the region and clinic. Thus, even not the cheapest device will pay for itself after 7-10 measurements.
Drawing conclusions
Elevated cholesterol is not a reason to panic and make a diagnosis of “atherosclerosis” if a person notices jumps in levels above normal in time and takes action. To maintain the level of this compound in the blood within normal limits, you must follow a diet, move more, and stop drinking and smoking.
And of course, regularly measure your cholesterol levels using one of the compact devices described above. You should buy such devices only from representatives of the manufacturer, so as not to run into a fake and use the device for a long time and fruitfully.
How it works: design and principle of operation of a portable analyzer
The portable cholesterol blood analyzer is a rectangular device. At the top there is a screen where the result is displayed. Depending on the model, there are one or more control buttons on the case.
At the bottom of the device there is a test strip soaked in a reagent and acting like litmus paper. A small amount of blood is dripped onto it, then the blood falls from the strip onto the converting device, after 1-2 minutes the values are shown on the screen.
Standard batteries are used for power; the compartment for them is located on the back of the case. Usually the kit includes a case and spears for piercing a finger or auto-piercers. Test strips are usually included in small quantities and must be purchased separately. The devices are equipped with modern microcircuits with a processor that automatically controls all processes.
The values after express diagnostics may differ slightly from the values when interpreting tests in the laboratory, but this does not mean that the device is not working correctly; each model has a certain percentage of error.
Advantages
Advantages of a portable device:
- The ability to conduct a cholesterol test at home and at any convenient time;
- Systematic monitoring of the cholesterol index and other blood composition parameters;
- By constantly checking the concentration of cholesterol in the blood, health complications can be avoided;
- At the slightest discomfort, you can use the device to determine cholesterol or glucose and take the necessary medication to adjust the level;
- One device for measuring blood parameters can be used by all family members;
- The price of the device is calculated for different incomes. There are devices of more expensive and budget models, which in their functions are not inferior to famous brand names.
What to look for when choosing?
The cholesterol meter must satisfy the following conditions:
- Compact size , convenient for storage and transportation, resistant to minimal mechanical damage.
- Clear interface . It is difficult for older people to understand the additional functions present in the device.
- Build quality . The analyzer is purchased in the hope of being used for a long time.
- Wide range of measurements . It is worth carefully considering the measuring range of the analyzers. Some portable devices are not able to measure values exceeding 10-11 mmol/l, and some even above 7-8 mmol/l.
It’s good if the kit includes a piercing pen (auto-piercer), it greatly simplifies the process. The accuracy of the displayed values plays an important role. Usually the instructions indicate what error the device has.
Having test strips would be a big plus. Usually, only original tapes are suitable for a device from a certain company, but they are not always available to find and buy, and they also require special storage conditions.
To track dynamics, there is a memory chip; all measurement results are recorded in it; the more measurement results it can remember, the better. If you need to print this information, then the analyzer also has a connector for connecting to a computer or laptop.
It is better to buy a cholesterol meter from well-known companies; such companies value their reputation and, in the event of a breakdown, will replace faulty parts. Before purchasing, you need to check whether there are service centers, which cases are covered under warranty, and under what conditions repairs will be refused.
The best models of devices for measuring cholesterol at home
There are not many companies producing analyzers on the market; all of them are widely known. Models differ in price, additional functions, image quality and interface simplicity, but the principle of operation is the same for all.
EasyTouch GSHb
The manufacturer is a Taiwanese company. The device allows you to choose one of 3 tests: glucose, cholesterol or hemoglobin levels. The time for issuing results for cholesterol levels is 2.5 minutes.
Light weight, excluding batteries 59 g. The battery life is designed for approximately 1000 measurements. Stored at temperatures from -10 to +60 degrees.
Stores 50 measurements. The measurement interval is from 2.6 to 10.4 mmol/l. The device produces results with an error of up to 20%. The kit includes:
instructions;- case;
- batteries;
- test strips;
- piercing pen;
- lancets (puncture needles);
- diary for recording data.
The average cost is 4600 rubles.
According to patient reviews, the device does not always provide reliable results; in some cases, the error exceeded the stated 20%; in addition, many consider the price to be unreasonably high. But besides the negative aspects, people note that it is compact, convenient to take with you, and easy to use.
Accutrend Plus
This analyzer is manufactured in Germany. Performs 4 types of tests: cholesterol, glucose, triglycerides and lactate. Cholesterol measurement range: from 3.88 to 7.76 mol/l. The result appears in 180 seconds.
Weighs 140 g. Powered by 4 batteries, data transfer to a computer is provided.
The kit contains the following components:
- instructions for use;
- 2 year warranty;
- batteries.
Average cost – 9,000 rubles.
This configuration is the most modest of the presented models. Unlike EasyTouch (Easy Touch), there are no lancets or a universal handle for pricking a finger. However, the memory is larger, up to 100 measurements. There is a case if you need to take the device with you on the road.
People who use Accutrend Plus note high accuracy, reliability and simplicity. The disadvantage is the need to purchase additional test strips, which are not included in the kit; the cost is 25 pcs. about 1000 rubles.
MultiCare-in
Country of origin: Italy. Measures 3 controlled indicators: glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol. Stores 500 measurements (the largest volume among models). Cholesterol measurement range: 3.3-10.2 mmol/l.
Weight 65 g, requires 2 batteries to operate. Turns on automatically when a test strip is inserted.
Equipment:
- test strips (for cholesterol - 5 pcs.);
- case;
- lancets;
- puncture device;
- instructions.
Average cost – 4,450 rubles.
Reading accuracy: 95%. According to customer reviews, the device is reliable, there are no mentions of breakdowns or other shortcomings. MultiCare-in has a connector for connecting to a laptop or computer, printing the data or storing it electronically.
FreeStyle Optium
The development is carried out by the American company Abbott Diabetes Care. It measures only the level of glucose and ketone bodies (participate in the synthesis of cholesterol), thereby immediately losing to Easy Touch and Accutrend Plus.
Compact and economical, weighs 42 g and runs on one battery, enough for 1000 measurements. The display is large, the numbers are enlarged. The device turns on and off on its own. The result for ketones appears in 10 seconds, glucose in 5 seconds.
The memory records 450 measurements, data is displayed for a certain date and time, the instrument error is 5%. Upon purchase, a person receives the following set:
- batteries;
- test strips;
- pen;
- instructions;
- piercing needles.
In terms of configuration, it beats Accutrend Plus. Analysis of reviews showed that the device is quite reliable, the error in the readings does not exceed the stated 5%.
Accutrend Plus
Accutrend plus is the most popular analyzer in Russia due to the fact that it has many functions and is easy to use. Manufactured in Germany by RocheDiagnostics. The device can be used to determine the full lipid spectrum, hemoglobin and glucose levels, and blood lactate.
Analogues do not determine lactate. The results can be recorded in electronic format.
Its equipment is modest - there are no lancets, but it has a large memory - up to 400 measurements. The screen is medium, the dimensions are 15 cm. Its cost varies by region from 8 to 10 thousand rubles.
How to test blood for cholesterol at home
The day before the express analysis, stop eating fatty and fried foods and limit alcohol consumption. Morning will be the best time for the procedure; you should not have breakfast.
You are also not allowed to drink tea, juice or coffee; you are allowed to drink a glass of water. Do not do any physical exercise, the state should be calm. If there was surgery, measurements are taken after 3 months.
We pierce the finger with an auto-piercer.
The blood collection process itself is as follows:
- To wash hands.
- Turn on the device and insert the test strip into the special hole.
- Treat your finger with a disinfectant.
- Take out a lancet or lancing pen.
- Make a puncture on the fingertip.
- Touch the strip with your finger.
Place a drop of blood on the test strip. - Wait a certain time and see the result on the display.
- Remove strip and discard.
Take the strips with dry hands and remove them from the packaging immediately before use.
It is important to use test tapes with a valid expiration date (stored for 6-12 months).
Cardio Check
“CardioChek” is considered an advanced device because it can determine sugar, total cholesterol, HDL, ketones, and triglycerides. It has a stylish design and a liquid crystal display.
Total memory – 150 results. Test tapes are encoded automatically. Price – about 6.5 thousand rubles. Analysis time is 1 minute for any test. The work is based on the principle of photometry.
Price
The price of devices starts from 4890 rubles for MultiCare-in to 11600-11700 rubles for the Accutrend Plus analyzer. This difference in the lower and upper range is explained by the build quality, country of origin and functionality.
The presence of additional functions makes the device even more expensive (for example, the ability to do several types of analyzes or increased memory). Fame and brand recognition leads to an increase in price, but it is better to focus on the technical characteristics and take into account the reviews of patients who have already used the device for a long time.
